During a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding health disparities and environmental issues affecting marginalized populations in Allegheny County. Miguel Sague Junior, a board member of the Council of 3 Rivers American Indian Center and a member of the Taino indigenous people, highlighted alarming statistics about asthma among local students, noting that 3 out of 12 students diagnosed with the condition are from a school with 800 students. He emphasized the disproportionate mortality rates, stating that for every white individual who dies in Clarington, 2.58 Black individuals face the same fate, calling for greater recognition and empowerment of these communities.

Sague criticized the slow progress in addressing these issues, expressing frustration that while other states have made strides since 2004, Allegheny County is only beginning to engage in meaningful discussions. He urged local leaders to listen to the voices of indigenous people and environmental activists who have long been advocating for change, particularly regarding the environmental degradation of the Ohio River, which he referred to as the Ojio.

Additionally, a representative from Women for a Healthy Environment, read by Dolores, stressed the necessity for an inclusive climate action plan in Allegheny County. This call to action underscores the community's demand for a comprehensive approach to environmental justice that includes the perspectives and needs of historically marginalized groups.

The meeting highlighted a growing urgency for local government to address these critical health and environmental issues, as community members seek not only recognition but also actionable solutions to improve their living conditions and ensure a healthier future for all residents.